Empowerment through politics: Help Jackson James go to D.C.

Jackson James, Vice President of the Yavapai College Student Government Association, has been selected for a prestigious summer internship with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly in Washington, D.C. This in-person opportunity runs from June 2 to August 1, 2025, and provides Jackson with a front-row seat to the legislative process and the inner workings of the U.S. Senate.

Jackson’s path to leadership has been far from easy. Raised in a challenging environment and facing mental health struggles, academic setbacks, and discouragement from educators, he was once told he would not make it through high school—let alone college. But with unwavering determination and the steadfast support of his grandmother, Jackson turned his life around. Now a student leader, he is committed to using his voice to uplift others who feel unseen or unheard.

“I was supposed to become a statistic,” Jackson shares. “Instead, I became a voice.” His story is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of belief. As he prepares to take his passion to Capitol Hill, Jackson remains grounded in his mission: to remind others that they, too, can overcome and lead.

Academically, Jackson is thriving and has his sights set on transferring to a university, where he plans to pursue a dual major. One concentration will be in Probability and Statistics, and the other will be an interdisciplinary study of Philosophy, Law, and Politics. He is passionate about applying his education in ways that create positive change and deepen his understanding of both the human experience and the systems that govern society.

As he steps into this exciting new chapter, Jackson is currently seeking resources for summer intern housing in Washington, D.C. Given the high cost of short-term leasing and the challenges of budgeting in a new city, he needs assistance to complete the monumental task of service.

Per month, he is expecting to pay 2000 dollars a month for rent with roommates, 300 dollars for metro transportation, 100 dollars for laundromat/dry cleaning, 100 dollars for internet, 500 dollars a month for groceries, and will need about 500 dollars' worth of professional attire as is mandated by the dress code, and is estimating about 400 dollars for the flights to and from D.C